Soliton and Nonlinear Structure Formation in Magnetized Plasma Induced by Space Debris

We present a two-dimensional, three-velocity-component (2D3V) particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation study of the interaction between a finite-sized charged debris object and a magnetized, quasi-neutral plasma, using the OSIRIS-4.0 code. The effects of external magnetic field strength and orientation on the formation of nonlinear plasma structures—such as precursor solitons, wakefields, and shocklets—are systematically investigated. When the magnetic field is aligned with the debris motion, magnetization suppresses transverse ion expansion and enhances precursor localization. In contrast, magnetic fields applied perpendicular (in-plane or out-of-plane) to the motion distort or suppress precursor structures and alter wake dynamics. Oblique field orientations lead to asymmetric and skewed soliton morphologies due to differential Lorentz forces. These results highlight the critical role of magnetic geometry in regulating nonlinear plasma responses and provide insights relevant to space environments and magnetized plasma experiments.